Aircraft requirements for low/medium density markets

Abstract

Introduction: In 1971, the joint Department of Transportation, National Aeronautics and Space Administrations, Civil Aviation Research and Development Policy Study (CARD) Report, identified the problems of providing air service to low density, short haul markets, as the third most pressing difficulty facing the United States' aviation industry. In the words of the report, "Low-Density Short Haul: While lower in priority than noise and congestion, solutions to the problems of low-density, short-haul service will be important to the future of civil aviation and to its ability to contribute to the goals of the Nation. This service of civil aviation can be a positive force in future regional development. In order to obtain a better definition of the problems and potential of low-density, short-haul service, a program should be established to determine accurately market sensitivities to changes in service, fare, frequency, and equipment. A government-sponsored market demonstration is required for this purpose. Concurrent and integrated with this demonstration, the Government should fund studies for the conceptual design and analysis of economical vehicles for the low-density, short-haul market." (Emphasis Added, p. 2-6) In response to this policy statement, NASA has undertaken a number of technical and systems studies as outlined by Mr. George Cherry, Deputy Associate Administrator for Aeronautics and Space Technology (Programs) in his 1972 testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Aeronautics and Space Technology of the Committee on Science and Astronautics. "1 In FY 73, NASA programs relating specifically to low-density, short-haul will fall into three main categories: a. Continuing an effort begun in FY 72 which is identifying technology problems associated with providing economical air service to sparsely settled regions. b. Continuing an effort begun in FY 72 which will investigate and develop very-low-frequency navigation techniques for en route and terminal area navigation for civil aviation, especially low-density, short-haul service. c. Increasing knowledge of economic and operational factors which bear upon technology and aircraft requirements. Studies will be undertaken to fit existing and hypothetical aircraft into realistic low-density, short-haul arenas and to identify where and why economic short-comings appear. Those that can be improved by technology will be identified. In addition, programs will be undertaken to investigate: ride-quality improvement as it influences aircraft design and passenger acceptance, crosswind landing characteristics, and operational techniques." This study attempts to answer some of the questions in Item C.